Most any cat owner will tell you their feline friends are capable of conveying emotion. In fact, they may even say they can recognize and distinguish specific emotions their cats display, including love, anger, illness, annoyance and more.

Scientific experiments on both humans and animals indicate that emotional responses are triggered by physical stimuli. Considering that cats have sensory systems that are much more sensitive than the human senses of sight, smell, sound, taste and touch, there's no question that our pets' environments are so closely linked to their states of mind.

Unlike humans, cats do not have the conscious ability to integrate, process and grow from their emotional experiences. Instead, cats will react, take in and indicate their emotions, but are not able to process their imbalances like we can.

This explains why a healthy emotional environment is vital for cats, as well as for all animals. A healthy cat must be afforded enough space, love, and attention if he is to thrive. But foremost, and frequently overlooked, is a peaceful home environment. Cats are extremely sensitive to stress, and living
in a home with arguments, negative energies or tension will affect his emotional well-being and health.

Today I will share aromatherapy recipes to treat common emotional issues your cat may be facing, including stress, loneliness, grief and separation anxiety/abandonment.

***IMPORTANT!***
Animals respond very well to flower essences and essential oils. They are very gentle and safe methods of treating emotional imbalances or stress-related symptoms. But please remember that animals are very sensitive and only require a minute dosage of essential oils. Avoid any sensitive areas, such as the head, eyes, ears and mouth. Pour a few drops of these aromatic blends into the palm of your hands and very gently pat your cat along the spine.

Prepare these aromatic blends by pouring the essential oils into a 10ml bottle, then adding an organic vegetable oil to fill.

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Relieve Stress
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Have you recently moved, taken in another pet, had a baby? Changes like these can be stressful for you as well as your pet. Try this aromatic blend to relieve your cat's stress.

· 3 drops Lavender
· 1 drop Neroli

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Combat Loneliness
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Do you work outside the home or travel frequently? In spite of their independent nature, cats long for company and affection. Use this aromatic blend to help your cat combat bouts of loneliness.

· 4 drops Marjoram
· 1 drop Rose

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Grief/Loss of a Companion
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If you recently experienced the loss of a pet or other family member, your cat is likely grieving with you. This aromatic blend can help your pet deal with feelings of grief and loss.

· 1 drop Rose
· 3 drops Lavender

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Separation Anxiety/Abandonment
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Will you be taking a summer vacation without your pet? Use this aromatic blend to help your cat adjust to his separation from you.

· 2 drops Roman Chamomile
· 3 drops Lavender

(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Permission is granted to reproduce this article in your print or electronic publications, providing you use the article in its entirety, including the brief bio trailer, all links and references within. Please let me know if you use this article by email to francoise@aromalchemy.com .

This article was originally published by Francoise Rapp in "The Arom'Alchemy Newsletter," a weekly ezine dedicated to healthy mind, body and soul through the use of aromatherapy. Join her for many aromatic moments to come by subscribing at www.aromalchemy.com/education .